As the new year approaches many of you will look to find new jobs. With a new job comes a fresh start. When looking at new job options, seek out companies that have a philosophy of diversity, which usually lends itself not just to a fair workplace, but one that embraces innovation. Also consider smaller companies, which could have benefits that you wouldn’t see with large companies. “In small businesses, a new employee often has a higher profile and is more appreciated than in a large company,” notes Yahoo Business. With a small company there tends to be more responsibility for each position, which means you are able to develop new skills. There are many small businesses that have also adopted diversity as part of their culture.

Recently Great Places to Work, a global research and consulting firm, revealed the 2012 Best Small & Medium Workplaces list, published by Fortune magazine. Each year, for the past nine, the list recognizes the top 50 small- and medium-sized companies in the United States. The list ranks companies on credibility, respect, fairness, pride, and camaraderie. We decided to look at the best places to work that take diversity seriously.

McMurry University, which placed number nine, on the Best Places to Work Small Company list, is also tops in diversity. In fact, the U.S. News and World Report Best Colleges Guide named McMurry University as one of the most racially-diverse universities in its region. And it was not just based on the student body, but the school’s staff as well.

Sunnyvale, Calif-basedAkraya, Inc., run by Sonu Ratra, who came to America 15 years ago and has always stressed diversity. The IT staffing and managed solutions firm, which placed number 14 on the list, has revenues of $40 million and 300 employees. In fact writes Ratra in The Diversity Journal, “I have long been involved with workforce diversity and inclusion business… Armed with the first hand knowledge of the difficulties diversity businesses are confronted with, I have been committed to sharing my experiences with other businesses in need of guidance.” According to Ratra, the key to Akraya’s success is its “strong diversity program.”

“In 2012, I plan to grow Akraya’s Diversity Supplier Network while also continuing to educate diverse suppliers about the benefits of the certification. I am committed to workforce diversity and hope that Akraya can serve as a resource and role model for other minority businesses,” she writes.